The battery refund machine

The first Battery Refund machine was launched on Earth Day, April 2017, at Coop Norway and initiated and funded by Energizer.

The Battery Refund machine is a reverse vending machine for waste consumer batteries. The refund machine enables customers to return all kinds of household batteries. The following sizes are accepted: AA, AAA, C, D and 9V. The machine identifies the size of the battery, counts them and returns a receipt that can include for example a discount coupon or any other kind of refund in written format. The logic behind the refund is programmable and possible to change if needed.

The machine is targeted for battery collection points such as retail stores and battery manufacturers. It enables collection points such as retail stores to introduce incentives while collecting statistics on returned batteries.

Battery types are recognised by one glance through size sensors. The system is a complete identification and return point for all cylindrical and 9V batteries with a total capacity of 50kgs (100lbs). The machine is fire proof and especially developed for being able to contain hazardous material.